finding joy in the journey

Tag Archives: Christmas

Christmas is slow in coming this year….well, not really. It’s quickly approaching, and I’m not even close to being ready!

Travel and sickness have given me an extra little challenge this year in preparing for Christmas. I mean after all, I have family coming to stay, a house to clean, food to cook, presents to buy, presents to wrap, etc….

I’m trying desperately not to let it overwhelm me, stress me, or discourage me. Of course, there’s still that little bit of me, that wants it to be “the perfect Christmas” for everyone.

I know I can’t make this happen. I can’t make “perfect happen.” I know I shouldn’t even consider trying.

I know I should just concentrate on the people in my life, and not the things.

I know.

And…I’m trying.

Trying with all my might to keep focused on this…simply.

Trying with all my might to stay focused on “love” at Christmas…and the giving of love.

Something that is so much better than any gift I could ever buy.

(Oh, I’ll work on getting some gifts too! I mean after all, I still have a few days left, right?!)

My 2012 in pictures. A year full of new places and adventures! I am so blessed by the love and care of a wonderful husband, and an amazing family. I am looking forward to 2013, with hope in my heart, and a sincere desire to find the bright spot in each new day. Advertisements

A few weeks a go I was feeling a little overwhelmed by Christmas, and all of the events that would take place in the month of December.

I was determined to not let it get the best of me, so I gave myself a few goals.

My goals were to relax and enjoy each moment of the season. Celebrate time-honored traditions, reflect on the special family memories, and be willing to make new ones!

No two Christmas’ are ever alike, and this year was no exception!

I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning with my very best friend. We went to the Hotel Del Coronado to see the huge Christmas tree, one of our time-honored traditions!

We had good conversation and a great dinner at a quaint little restaurant. We laughed, we looked at the lights, we wrapped presents, and drank coffee together.

On Christmas morning, we exchanged a few, very special gifts. Gifts that we will treasure because of the love and the thought that was put into giving them.

I also learned a very valuable lesson, and it was probably my best gift of the year.

I learned that sometimes the unplanned events and moments can be the very best moments of all! The month was filled with these moments, Christmas day included.

I wasn’t able to be with my own kids at Christmas, but I did get to hear their voice, and the voice of my grandkids. An unplanned moment, and priceless gift indeed!

The afternoon was spent with my best friend, my mom, my niece and her husband. The plan for the day had always included lunch with my mom, but the bonus was my niece and her husband. They were a much welcomed, surprise visit! Another unplanned moment. I was able to celebrate Christmas with my sister’s daughter. I know she really would have liked that a lot, and that makes me happy.

It was great to spend time together, talking and laughing, and enjoying the comfort and love of family.

And…I also met my goal!

In fact, I think this Christmas is going to hold a very fond memory for me. I’m glad I gave myself these goals. Especially the goal to try and enjoy each moment, because the moments, both planned and unplanned, were good, and I really did enjoy this Christmas!

As we were eating breakfast outside on the patio, we saw this young man set up his “band”. It was a pleasant surprise to hear the music he was able to make with a Home Depot bucket, 2 tambourines, and a ukulele.

He whistled and sang, and strummed a few happy tunes. He graciously remarked “thank you” as the people passing by dropped money in his hat that was sitting on the sidewalk.

This time last week I was traveling north to be with my daughter and her husband, to celebrate the 1st birthday of our youngest grandson. A sweet little blue-eyed boy, with a sparkle in his eyes, and the infectious belly laugh of a one year old.

Happy Birthday, little guy! I love you so much!

This time last week, 26 lives were ripped from this world in a horrific shooting at a grade school in Newtown CT. The lives of mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, grandmas and grandpas, were changed in ways that I can’t even imagine. Changed in a way I don’t want to imagine, because it should never have to be imagined. It just shouldn’t be.

The extreme contrast of the two did not go unnoticed by anyone in my family. Our event was to celebrate a life, a milestone. In Newtown, they were mourning. It was a tragedy. Plain and simple, as there is just no other way to describe it.

My heart, it is so full. It’s full and overflowing with the memories of the week-end, and struggling with the wide range of emotions. The sorrow for the families who are in so much pain. The blessing of a wonderful husband, the gift of amazing children, and the joy of precious grandchildren.

I feel a little like Mary right now, “pondering all these things in my heart“. It was a very special moment in my life. Our time together as a family was full of laughter, and hugs, and smiles. In Newtown, there are only hugs and tears.

And once again I am made aware of life and its brevity. How abruptly it can end, and how important it is to cherish my family each moment that we have together. I am reminded by the powerful message of the inability to control, and I am overwhelmed by the security and knowledge that we are all in the Hands of God.